The Five Laws of Library Science, formulated by S.R. Ranganathan in 1931, are considered the foundation of library science and inform the principles and practices of librarianship. They are:
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Books are for use: This law emphasizes that the primary purpose of a library is to provide access to its resources for use by patrons. Libraries should make it easy for patrons to use their resources and ensure that they are available when needed.
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Every reader his/her book: This law asserts that every reader has a right to a book that satisfies their information needs, and libraries should strive to provide books that meet the needs of all patrons.
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Every book its reader: This law states that every book has a reader for whom it is written, and libraries should make sure that every book finds its reader.
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Save the time of the reader: This law emphasizes the importance of efficiency in library operations and the need to reduce the time patrons spend searching for information. Libraries should be organized and manage their resources in a way that makes it easy for patrons to find what they need.
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The library is a growing organism: This law stresses that libraries are constantly evolving and changing to meet the needs of their patrons. Libraries should be flexible and adaptable, always seeking ways to improve their services and resources.
These Five Laws of Library Science provide a framework for librarians to consider in their work and help ensure that libraries serve their patrons effectively and efficiently.
